Medications That Don’t Mix Well With Coffee (And What to Do Instead!)
I remember the first time someone told me coffee and certain medications don’t mix. I was sitting at my favorite café, sipping on a perfectly brewed pour-over, when a friend casually mentioned, “You know, some medicines don’t work right if you drink coffee with them.” I nearly choked on my sip. Wait, what? My beloved coffee, my morning ritual, was messing with medicine?
If you’re anything like me, coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a daily ritual, a moment of peace, or even a creative spark. But as much as we love our coffee, it turns out that some medications don’t play nice with it. Let’s break it down so you can keep both your health and your coffee game strong.
1. Thyroid Medications (Levothyroxine, etc.)
Why it’s a problem: Coffee can reduce how well your body absorbs thyroid medication, meaning you might not be getting the full dose your doctor prescribed.
What to do instead: Doctors recommend waiting at least 30 to 60 minutes after taking your thyroid meds before enjoying your first cup of coffee. If morning coffee is non-negotiable, try switching to decaf or pushing your coffee break a bit later.
2. Certain Antidepressants (MAOIs & Some SSRIs)
Why it’s a problem: Some antidepressants (especially MAOIs) interact with caffeine, increasing the risk of high blood pressure. Even some SSRIs, like fluvoxamine, slow down how your body processes caffeine, making it stay in your system longer. Translation? A single cup could feel like three.
What to do instead: If your meds amplify caffeine’s effects, try half-caff or switch to tea for a gentler lift. And if you’re on MAOIs, check with your doctor before drinking coffee at all.
3. Blood Pressure Medications
Why it’s a problem: Coffee temporarily raises blood pressure, which can counteract the effects of blood pressure meds.
What to do instead: If you take blood pressure medication, spacing out your coffee consumption (by at least an hour or two) may help keep things balanced. Or, try switching to a lower-caffeine option like cold brew, which tends to have a smoother caffeine release.
4. Osteoporosis Medications (Bisphosphonates like Alendronate)
Why it’s a problem: Coffee can block the absorption of osteoporosis meds, making them less effective over time.
What to do instead: These medications work best when taken first thing in the morning with plain water—no food or coffee for at least 30 minutes after. It might be worth shifting your coffee ritual to a post-breakfast treat instead!
5. Iron Supplements
Why it’s a problem: Coffee contains compounds called polyphenols that can interfere with iron absorption, which isn’t great news if you’re low on iron.
What to do instead: If you take iron supplements, try waiting at least an hour before having coffee. Or, if that feels impossible, drink coffee between meals instead of alongside iron-rich foods or supplements.
6. Diabetes Medications (Insulin & Some Oral Meds)
Why it’s a problem: Coffee (even black coffee) can affect blood sugar levels, making diabetes medication less predictable.
What to do instead: If you notice spikes or crashes in blood sugar after coffee, consider switching to a lower-caffeine option or drinking it alongside a meal to soften the impact.
Final Thoughts: You Can Have Your Coffee (With a Few Tweaks!)
The good news? In most cases, you don’t have to quit coffee, you just need to adjust when and how you drink it. A simple timing shift could be the difference between your medication working as it should or not working at all.
So, what’s your coffee ritual? Have you ever had to tweak your routine because of a medication? While there’s no comment section here, I’d love for you to take a moment to think about your coffee habits and how they fit into your daily wellness routine. And if you ever need a nudge to explore new blends (or find creative ways to keep coffee in your life), you know where to find me!
